In most ways, Rock Island, Ill. is just your average 40,000-population Mississippi River-adjacent township. But its crown jewel—aside from its government weapons plant and astounding THREE big league catchers having been raised there—is Daytrotter.

The website combines songs, accompanying stories and art in short (usually four-song) sessions recorded at “Horseshack,” Daytrotter’s studio. Since the site’s inception, the stripped-down analog studio has captured sessions from some of indie rock’s elite, as well as a flurry of up-and-comers. At this point, being featured on Daytrotter is an indication a band has arrived.

Monday, Milwaukee mainstay Juniper Tar became one of the latest band’s to feel the rarefied air of having a session featured on Daytrotter.

Based on writer Sean Moeller’s glowing words, the Daytrotter guys seem to share quite the Midwestern bond with the Juniper Tar camp.

“Every time we run into the guys in this Milwaukee band - whether it's in Texas, Brooklyn or on their home turf, out on the wooden floor at the Turner Hall Ballroom - we wind up in strong handshakes or hearty bear hugs, talking about how much we love living in the Midwest. It all takes on a very wistful nature, once it all gets rolling and we're a few beers into the conversation,” Moeller writes.

To Juniper Tar’s credit, more than a regional bond makes it worthy of the indie band honor. The band’s rich harmonies on “Residents” and “Rex’s Blues,” combined with the bare bones production value pliet to the upbeat “After The Tremors” and “She’s Inside Glass,” lend a new and welcome sound to a band you’ve likely already heard and (if so) almost assuredly love.

Stream and/or download the session here (may require registering for a free Daytrotter trial).